2009 Toyota Highlander engine problems
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2009 Toyota Highlander — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“When starting it would make grinding noise,sounds like metallic noise until the engine oil starts circulating.Dealer said that its normal due to cold starts but this can happen even when the engine is up to temperature.Toyota refuse to remedy the issue.”
filed Nov 4, 2022
“Engine oil filler cap had interior motor part , melt through while driving , almost hurling all the way through , 2 inch cylindrical part viewed when opening hood to inspect damage . Braking , trac and vsc engaged and motor failed almost dieing , abs allowed brake pedal to go to floor with vehicle…”
filed Aug 5, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Highlander years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Highlander | 4 | 10% |
| 2023 Highlander | 27 | 16% |
| 2022 Highlander | 10 | 4% |
| 2021 Highlander | 44 | 9% |
| 2020 Highlander | 16 | 5% |
| 2019 Highlander | 69 | 15% |
| 2018 Highlander | 33 | 13% |
| 2017 Highlander | 44 | 17% |
| 2016 Highlander | 9 | 8% |
| 2015 Highlander | 9 | 5% |
| 2014 Highlander | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 Highlander | 31 | 15% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2009 Toyota Highlander
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.